Injury Cases We Handle
As a firm dedicated solely to fighting for the injured and disabled, Morrison & Hughes is equipped to handle personal injury cases involving all types of accidents and issues, including:
- Auto Accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Trucking Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Premises Accidents
- Slip & Falls
- Dog Bites
- Defective Products
- Wrongful Death
The Personal Injury Claim Process
Personal injury claims are legal disputes that arise when someone suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal accident due to another’s actions, you may have grounds to pursue a claim.
Personal injury claims are unique matters, but there are several key steps in every case:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your journey begins with a free consultation where we assess the details of your case, answer any questions, and provide initial advice. We also gather preliminary information to determine the best course of action.
- Comprehensive Investigation: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to build a robust case. This involves collecting vital evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information.
- Medical Treatment and Documentation: It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention following an injury. We ensure that you receive top-notch medical care and that all injuries are thoroughly documented, which is essential for your claim.
- Drafting and Sending a Demand Letter: Once you reach maximum medical improvement, we draft a demand letter to the responsible party's insurance company. This letter outlines your injuries, treatments, and a request for compensation based on documented losses.
- Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Our experienced attorneys negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We leverage our expertise to secure the highest possible settlement, ensuring that your compensation reflects the true extent of your losses.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we proceed by filing a lawsuit. This involves submitting a formal complaint to the court, initiating the litigation process to seek justice through legal channels.
- Discovery Phase: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information relevant to the case. This includes depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. This phase helps gather all pertinent details to build a strong argument for your claim.
- Mediation and Settlement Discussions: Many cases are resolved through mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates settlement discussions. This process often results in a mutually agreed-upon resolution without the need for a trial.
- Trial Preparation and Court Proceedings: If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial. Our trial lawyers present your case to a judge or jury, aiming for a favorable verdict. We prepare meticulously, ensuring all evidence and arguments are compellingly presented.
Recoverable Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Victims in personal injury cases are entitled to various damages to compensate for their losses. The primary types of recoverable damages include:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Accidents and injuries can have a range of repercussions, which is why no two cases are exactly alike. If you have questions about the value of your potential Decatur personal injury claim or the damages to which you may be entitled, our attorneys can help during a personalized consultation.
How Our Decatur Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
- Experience & Insight: Our team includes trial lawyers with decades of combined experience and backgrounds as former defense attorneys. We leverage this insight to anticipate and counteract defense strategies.
- Technology: We employ cutting-edge technology, such as drones, virtual reality, and 3D reconstructions, to build compelling cases. Our firm uniquely utilizes specialized analysis software to optimize claim demands.
- Personal Attention: We prioritize our clients, providing personalized support throughout the process. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
- Proven Results: With millions in compensation recovered, our track record reflects our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
The Statute of Limitations in Georgia Personal Injury Cases
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit from the date of your injury or the discovery of your injury. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to pursue a legal claim, regardless of the merits of your case.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This applies to most types of injury claims, including car accidents and slip and falls. There are some exceptions and specific situations that may alter this timeframe:
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. Typically, the clock starts when the minor turns 18.
- Discovery Rule: In cases where the injury or its cause are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
- Government Claims: Claims against government entities have different rules and often shorter timeframes. For instance, you may need to provide notice of the claim within six months to a year, depending on the specific governmental body involved.
Bringing your case to the attention of a lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to determine the statute of limitations that applies to your case and ensure you have ample time to investigate, build your claim, and preserve your right to recover compensation. Our attorneys are readily available to help by offering free consultations over the phone, in person, or via video chat.
Decatur Personal Injury FAQ
What Are My Rights After Being Injured by Negligence in Decatur?
You have the right to seek compensation for losses incurred due to someone else's negligence. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our firm can guide you through understanding and asserting your rights.
What Happens When the Accident Results in Death?
Georgia's wrongful death laws allow certain family members to file claims when an accident results in death. Eligible parties include the deceased's spouse, children, or parents. We help families navigate the process to secure compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
How Do Personal Injury Lawyers in Decatur Get Paid?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for you, ensuring access to quality legal representation without financial risk.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault for an Accident in Decatur?
Yes, under Georgia's modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation if you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We help determine your level of fault and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Ready to Discuss Your Claim? Call (404) 238-7028.
Our Decatur personal injury attorneys at Morrison & Hughes are passionate about helping victims and families repair their lives after suffering preventable harm and losses. If you have a potential case anywhere in DeKalb County, we’re standing by to help.
To request a FREE and confidential consultation, call (404) 238-7028 or contact us online to get started.
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